Director Anand Tiwari’s Bandish Bandits, a web series reviving the lost art of Hindustani classical music through its 10 episodes, recently premiered on Amazon Prime Video. Apart from the melodious musical journey, it takes us on, it’s giving wanderers like us major travel goals, reminding us of the many hidden gems that Jodhpur houses. By Bayar Jain
Whether it’s the palatial homes of Jodhpur, or the rustic streets of this Blue City, Amazon Prime’s latest show Bandish Bandits is a journey like no other. Interwoven with the melodious mysticism of Hindustani classical music backed by a storyline sure to intrigue — this show is a virtual ticket to the colourful city of Rajasthan. We tell you some of Jodhpur’s hidden gems to fulfil your Rajasthani dreams the show skilfully recreates.
Did you fall in love with Jodhpur again after watching Bandish Bandits? Here are the best places to visit in the city.
1. Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
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Couched near the famous Mehrangarh Fort, this 72-hectares-big ecologically restored desert came back to life in 2006 following careful reconstruction. Once an arid, decaying, barren vegetation land, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park now boasts of a native plant nursery, small shop and a cafe. Visitors can even walk on trails amid the 250 species of native plants here, and embark on a mission to spot the several reptile species and over 200 birds along the way.
2. Sardar Government Museum
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Named after the former king of Jodhpur, the museum was built by Henry Vaughan Lanchester in 1909 and formally opened to public much later in 1936. Located within the Umaid Public Park near Rajasthan High Court, a walk here is guaranteed to make you deep-dive into the city’s illustrious history. Picture almost 400 stone sculptures, around 2,000 paintings, more than a lakh ancient coins, and more.
3. Ranisagar and Padam Sagar Lake
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Considered twin lakes of Jodhpur, these interconnected pristine waters are located near the Mehrangarh Fort. Dating to 1459, both the lakes were built with the intention of natural water conservation. Despite being located in a largely deserted state, these lakes have a very unique quality — they rarely run out of water. Head here at the peak of dawn to catch the waters in all its glory, and watch the towering fort dance in the waves.
4. Phalodi Fort
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It may not be as imposing as the other forts of the city, but Phalodi Fort is mesmerising in its own right. Constructed in 1488 by Rao Hamir Narawat, grandson of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, this fortress is replete with intricate jharokhas, a signature architectural feature of Rajasthan. Adding to its glory is the works of Mewar artists of the region, which double as apt reflections of the Blue City’s cultural richness.
5. Mahila Bagh ka Jhalra
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Home to many step-wells, a visit to Jodhpur is incomplete without making a stopover at these historic marvels. One of the lesser-known options here is Mahila Bagh ka Jhalra, a pink-hued, multi-stepped structure. Doubling as a spot of respite from the scorching summer sun, the well is believed to have been commissioned by a wealthy lady named Mayla. As the years passed, the name metamorphosed to become mahila, translating to ‘woman’ in Hindi.
Related: 5 Palaces In Jodhpur Fit For A Starry Wedding (Including PeeCee And Nick Jonas’!)
Bayar Jain
Senior Content Manager
Equipped with a degree in Sociology (Honours) from the University of Delhi, and a post graduate diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Bayar enjoys sharing stories of people, places, and different cultures. When not typing her travel tales, you can catch the hobbyist photographer capturing the next frame, dabbling in arts and crafts, or gushing over puppers and kittens.
